Window treatment hanger having arcuate rod releasable from wall mounts

ABSTRACT

An arcuate window treatment assembly ( 10 ) in accordance with a preferred embodiment is disclosed for decorating and/or shading a Palladian window (P). The assembly ( 10 ) broadly includes a flexible rod ( 12 ), a pair of wall-mounted brackets ( 14 ) and ( 16 ) for supporting the rod ( 12 ), a pair of upper window treatment panels ( 18 ) and ( 20 ), and a lower window treatment subassembly ( 22 ). The rod ( 12 ) is configured to cooperate with the panels ( 18, 20 ) so that the rod ( 12 ) is operable to receive the panels ( 18, 20 ) when the rod ( 12 ) is in a straight position, but sufficiently flexible, that once the panels ( 18, 20 ) are received thereon, the rod ( 12 ) can flex into an arched position thereby transferring the panels ( 18, 20 ) into a mounted position. The brackets ( 14, 16 ) slidably and releaseably receive the panel-laden rod ( 12 ) and need not be mounted to the window frame (Af). A preferred alternative arcuate window treatment assembly ( 100 ) is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to window treatments. More specifically, the present invention concerns a hanger for hanging a window treatment adjacent an arcuate window. The hanger includes a flexible rod that can be inserted into a generally rectangular window treatment and then flexed into an arcuate position that complements the arcuate window and releasably slid onto a pair of wall-mounted brackets.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

It is known in the art to utilize a window treatment to both decorate and/or shade a window. These window treatments come in many forms and include draperies, curtains, valances, blinds, shades, shutters, and the like. All of these treatments typically include at least one rod that is supported in and around the window frame and at least one piece of material supported on the rod to decorate and/or shade the window. The vast majority of these treatment designs are configured to fit traditional rectangular windows of various sizes. However, in the housing industry, arcuate windows are becoming increasingly more popular. For example, one popular design—commonly referred to as a Palladian window—includes a semi-circular window positioned above a traditional rectangular window. These arcuate windows are problematic in that the traditional rectangular window treatments are not well suited to, and do not, provide an effective and aesthetically pleasing window treatment for use on arcuate windows.

There have been several attempts in the art to design a suitable arcuate window treatment for use on an arcuate window. All of these prior art arcuate treatments fall into two broad categories: blinds, or shades (including shutters); and drapes, or curtains (including valances). The prior art arcuate blinds are complex, custom assemblies specifically manufactured for a particular sized and shaped arcuate window and are attached directly to the inside of the window frame. These prior art arcuate blinds all include a plurality of slats and a complex system to draw these slats open and closed around the arcuate window. All of the prior art arcuate drapes include a substantially rigid arcuate rod that is fastened inside the window frame, and typically fastened in at least three places, including at least one fastener connected directly to the arched portion of the frame to support the arch section of the arcuate rod. Additionally, all of these prior art arcuate drapery treatments typically include at least one arcuate piece of material that is supported on the arcuate rod.

These prior art arcuate window treatments are all problematic and subject to several undesirable limitations. For example, prior art arcuate blinds are complex, part-intensive assemblies that are custom made for a particular sized arcuate window and are difficult to install. Prior art arcuate draperies also require a custom sewn arcuate treatment piece that must be specifically sized for a specific arcuate window. Additionally, these prior art treatments require complex bracketry that can be difficult to install and must undesirably be mounted within the arcuate window frame itself. It is also becoming increasingly more popular among home owners to utilize “do-it-yourself” window treatments that are typically less expensive than custom fabricated treatments. Prior art arcuate window treatments are not well suited for do-it-yourself treatments. For example, the prior art arcuate window treatments all require specifically sized arcuate material panels and/or made-to-specific sized rods that can be mounted on the inside of the window frame. Therefore, these panels and/or rods must either be undesirably stocked in commercial inventory in several different sizes/shapes or undesirably modified by the end user to fit a particular window application. Additionally, all prior art arcuate window treatments are typically complex, part-intensive assemblies that are difficult for the do-it-yourselfer to install. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved arcuate window treatment that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art treatments and that is better suited for do-it-yourself applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved arcuate window treatment that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art treatments detailed above. The inventive arcuate window treatment includes a flexible rod that can be inserted into a generally rectangular material panel and then flexed into an arcuate position that complements the arcuate window and releasably slid onto a pair of wall-mounted brackets. The present invention enables an arcuate window treatment that is well suited for do-it-yourself treatments as the flexible rod can be easily cut to accommodate any sized arcuate window and can be used with off-the-shelf rectangular treatment panels without modification. Additionally, the brackets are simplistic and easy to install on the wall, without the need for difficult mounting within the arcuate frame itself.

A first aspect of the present invention concerns a hanger for hanging a window treatment adjacent a window housed in a window frame formed in a wall. The hanger broadly includes a rod and a pair of brackets operable to be mounted to the wall adjacent the window frame. The rod includes opposed open ends and is flexible between a straight position wherein the rod is generally linear and an arched position wherein the rod is generally arcuate. Each of the brackets is spaced from the window frame when mounted to the wall. Each of the brackets includes a post wherein the posts are spaced from one another when the brackets are mounted to the wall. Each of the open ends is slidably and releaseably received on a respective one of the posts when the brackets are mounted to the wall and the rod is in the arched position.

A second aspect of the present invention concerns a window treatment assembly for decorating a window having at least one arcuate pane and being housed in a window frame formed in a wall. The window treatment assembly broadly includes at least one window treatment panel being normally rectangular in configuration and formed from a nonrigid material, a rod, and a pair of brackets operable to be mounted to the wall adjacent the window frame. The rod includes opposed open ends and is flexible between a straight position wherein the rod is generally linear and an arched position wherein the rod is generally arcuate. The window treatment panel is transferable between an assembly position wherein the panel presents a generally linear upper edge and is mounted on the rod when the rod is in the straight position and a mounted position wherein the upper edge of the panel is generally arcuate and the panel is mounted on the rod when the rod is in the arched position. Each of the brackets is spaced from the window frame when mounted to the wall. Each of the brackets includes a post wherein the posts are spaced from one another when the brackets are mounted to the wall. Each of the open ends is slidably and releaseably received on a respective one of the posts when the brackets are mounted to the wall and the rod is in the arched position.

In a preferred embodiment, there is a pair of rectangular window treatment panels supported on the flexible rod when in the arched position. Additionally, the pair of brackets comprise the only brackets that support the flexible rod on the wall and each include a bight section configured to support an additional rod of a third treatment panel, such as a treatment panel that hangs over and shades a rectangular window positioned beneath the arcuate window. In a preferred alternative embodiment, the rod includes a plurality of apertures spaced between the opposing ends for receiving a plurality of fasteners for attaching the treatment to the flexible rod.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an arcuate window treatment assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on the wall over a Palladian window with the upper window treatment panels in the mounted position and one of the upper panels being shown in phantom to illustrate the flexible rod in the arched position and the lower treatment panels and rigid rod being removed;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the treatment assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 shown mounted on the wall over the Palladian window (in fragmentary) with the upper panels removed to illustrate the flexible rod in the arched position and the lower panels and rigid rod shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged front elevational fragmentary view of the treatment assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 shown mounted on the wall over the Palladian window showing the flexible rod in the arched position and the upper and lower panels and the rigid rod being removed;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the treatment assembly taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 to illustrate the slidably releaseable interengagement between the flexible rod and one of the wall-mounted brackets;

FIG. 5 a is a plan view of one of the brackets of the treatment assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 5 b is a front elevational view of the bracket illustrated in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c is a side elevational view of the bracket illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b;

FIG. 5 d is a rear elevational view of the bracket illustrated in FIGS. 5 a-5 c;

FIG. 5 e is a bottom view of the bracket illustrated in FIGS. 5 a-5 d;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the flexible rod and the upper window treatment panels of the treatment assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 showing the flexible rod in the straight position and the panels in the assembly position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an arcuate window treatment assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on the wall over a Palladian window with the upper window treatment panels in the mounted position with the left panel folded back to illustrate the middle bracket and the apertures in the flexible rod and the flexible rod in the arched position; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the treatment assembly illustrated in FIG. 7 shown mounted on the wall over a Palladian window with the flexible rod in the arched position and the upper panel in the mounted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an arcuate window treatment assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for decorating and/or shading a window. The assembly 10 is shown mounted on a wall W adjacent a Palladian window P. The window P includes an upper arcuate window Aw, including an arcuate window frame Af formed in the wall W, and a lower rectangular window Rw, including a rectangular frame Rf formed in the wall W. The principles of the present invention are well suited for arcuate window applications—particularly Palladian windows; however, these principles could be applied to virtually any window application, regardless of shape and size. Additionally, as detailed below, the assembly 10 is mounted to the wall, and not the window frame, and accordingly could be applied to virtually any wall application where a decorative and/or shading treatment is desired, regardless of whether there is a window or a frame. The illustrated arcuate window treatment assembly 10 broadly includes a flexible rod 12, a pair of wall-mounted brackets 14 and 16 for supporting the rod 12, a pair of upper window treatment panels 18 and 20, and a lower window treatment subassembly 22 (see FIG. 2).

The flexible rod 12 is configured to mount on the brackets 14, 16 to support the upper window treatment panels 18, 20. In more detail, and turning to FIGS. 1-4 and 6, the illustrated flexible rod 12 is an elongated cylinder that is sufficiently pliable to flex between various positions. However, the flexible rod 12 is also preferably rigid enough to retain one or more desired positions, as well as support the panels 18, 20. In this regard, the illustrated rod 12 is a hollow cylinder and is preferably formed in major part from synthetic resin, and more preferably from polyethylene or polypropylene. One suitable material is high density, or cross-linked polyethylene (also known as PEX piping or tubing). The illustrated rod 12 is flexible between a straight position, as shown in FIG. 6, wherein the rod 12 is generally linear, and an arched position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the rod 12 is generally arcuate. As further detailed below, the rod 12 is sized and configured to cooperate with the upper treatment panels 18, 20 so that the rod 12 is operable to receive the window treatment panels 18, 20 when the rod 12 is in the straight position. However, the rod 12 is sufficiently flexible, that once the panels 18, 20 are received thereon, the rod 12 can flex into the arched position and mount on the brackets 14, 16, as will be further described in detail below. For purposes that will subsequently be described, the rod 12 is preferably biased into either the straight or arched position.

The illustrated flexible rod 12 is configured to removably mount on the brackets 14, 16. In this regard, the rod 12 includes opposed open ends, with the open end 24 being shown in FIG. 4. As will be further detailed below, the open end 24 slides over a portion of the bracket 14. The weight of the rod 12 and the panels 18, 20 supported thereon cooperate to maintain the rod 12 on the brackets 14, 16. As indicated above, the rod 12 is preferably biased into either the straight or arched position. The illustrated rod 12 is biased into the straight position. That is to say, the illustrated rod 12 is formed from a piece of PEX piping that was originally linear in configuration. In this regard, when the rod 12 is flexed into the arched position and mounted on the brackets 14, 16, the tendency for the rod 12 to return to its straight position assists in securely holding the rod 12 on the brackets 14, 16.

The rod 12 could be appropriately sized and configured for any suitable application. Additionally, the rod 12 could be variously alternatively configured; for example, the rod 12 could include one or more apertures formed therein for receiving hooks or other fasteners for securing one or more upper window treatment panels to the rod 12. However, it is important the rod be sufficiently flexible. For some aspects of the invention, it is also important the rod be releaseably or removably coupled to the brackets.

The brackets 14, 16 each mount to the wall W and are configured to support the flexible rod 12. Each of the brackets 14, 16 are virtually identical in configuration; therefore, only the bracket 14 will be described in detail with the understanding that the bracket 16 is similarly configured. In more detail, and turning to FIGS. 1-4 and 5 a-5 e, the bracket 14 broadly includes a first leg 26, a second leg 28, and a post 30. The first leg 26 is generally flat and elongated, being operable to engage the wall W when the bracket 14 is mounted thereto. The bracket 14 is operable to be mounted to the wall W adjacent the window frame Af. In this regard, the first leg 26 includes a pair of apertures 32 formed in the leg 26 adjacent its upper end, each being configured to receive a suitable fastener 34 (see FIG. 4) for mounting the bracket 14 to the wall W. As will be further detailed below, the bracket 14 need not be mounted to the window frame Af, which is advantageous given the fact that the window frame Af is arcuate and thus poses more difficulties in securely mounting the bracket 14 thereto. In this regard, when the bracket 14 is mounted to the wall W, the bracket 14 is preferably spaced from the window frame Af (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

The second leg 28 extends generally from the lower end of the first leg 26 and extends generally orthogonal from the first leg 26. For aesthetic purposes, the second leg 28 is generally shorter than the first leg 26; however, any suitable dimensions could be utilized. The illustrated second leg 28 is fixed at its proximal end to the lower end of the leg 26, such as being integrally formed therewith. The post 30 extends upwardly from the distal end of the second leg 28. In this manner, the post 30 is spaced from the first leg 26. The post 30 extends generally parallel to the first leg 26. The illustrated second leg 28 includes a bight section 36 (see FIG. 5 c) formed in therein and positioned intermediate the first leg 26 and the post 30. The bight section 36 is configured to receive the lower window treatment subassembly 22, such as the rod of the subassembly 22 as detailed below. Although the illustrated bight section 36 is arcuate in configuration, it is within the ambit of the present invention, where a bight section is utilized, to use various alternative configurations, including for example an orthogonal recess, or a triangular recess, or the like, so long as the recess is operable to receive at least a portion of the rod of the subassembly 22.

The post 30 is configured to slidably and releaseably receive the open end 24 of the flexible rod 12 when the bracket 14 is mounted to the wall W and the rod 12 is in the arched position (see FIG. 4). In this regard, the post 30 is generally cylindrical in configuration and presents a generally uniform diameter. The post 30 is preferably formed from a metal material, such as a steel or aluminum, and/or plated with a metal material, such as platinum, nickel, silver, gold, etc. However, for some aspects of the invention, the post 30 could be formed from nonmetal materials, such as synthetic resins, woods, or the like. As indicated above, the bracket 16 is virtually identical in configuration as the bracket 14. When the brackets 14, 16 are mounted to the wall W so that their corresponding posts are spaced from one another, the posts are preferably in a generally parallel relationship with each other, so that the flexible rod 12, and the panels 18, 20 it supports, can be solely supported by the pair of brackets 14, 16 when the rod 12 is in the arched position. That is, the illustrated posts are sized and configured so that when they are in a generally parallel relationship and the and the corresponding open ends of the flexible rod 12 are received thereon, the rod 12 pushes against the posts (i.e, via its tendency to return to the straight position) to stabilize the panel-laden rod 12, yet the posts are sufficiently long (e.g., about three inches) to prevent the rod 12 from slipping off the posts. For some aspects of the invention, the posts need not be generally parallel in alignment when the brackets are mounted to the wall W, and could be for example convergent, or even coaxial (necessitating multiple opposing arches in the rod 12) in alignment. If a nonparallel alignment is utilized, the posts are preferably sized accordingly (e.g., the posts could be shorter than the illustrated length if a convergent alignment is utilized, but may need to be longer in length if a coaxial alignment is utilized). For purposes that will be subsequently described, the flexible rod 12, and its supported panels 18, 20, are preferably supported only by the brackets 14, 16. However, for some aspects of the invention, additional brackets could be utilized to support the flexible rod on the wall. These additional brackets could utilize any suitable configuration and need not be configured like the brackets 14, 16. However, any brackets that are used are preferably configured to mount to the wall itself and not the window frame. Similarly, the brackets 14, 16 could be variously alternatively configured. However, these brackets preferably enable the flexible rod to be removeably supported thereon.

The upper window treatment panels 18, 20 are configured to be supported on the flexible rod 12 when the rod 12 is in the arched position and mounted on the brackets 14, 16. The panels 18, 20 are configured to cooperate to both shade and decorated the Palladian window P. Each of the panels 18, 20 are virtually identical in configuration; therefore, only the panel 20 will be described in detail with the understanding that the panel 18 is similarly constructed. The panel 20 is formed from a nonrigid material, such as cloth, including natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or any combination thereof. When not mounted on the flexible rod 12, the panel 20 is normally rectangular in configuration (see FIG. 6). The illustrated panel 20 includes one or more pleats for aesthetic purposes; however, the panel 20 could be generally flat in configuration, not including any pleats or folds. The panel 20 is configured to be supported on the flexible rod 12. In this regard, and in one manner well known in the art, the panel 20 includes a sleeve 38 formed adjacent the upper edge 20 a of the panel 20, such as by stitching or the like (see FIGS. 1 and 6).

As indicated above, the panel 20 is formed from a nonrigid material. In this manner, the panel 20 is transferable between an assembly position, as shown in FIG. 6, wherein the upper edge 20 a of the panel 20 is generally linear and a mounted position, as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the upper edge 20 a of the panel 20 is generally arcuate. In the assembly position, the panel 20 is mounted on the flexible rod 12 when the rod 12 is in the straight position (see FIG. 6). That is, the rod 12 is inserted into the sleeve 38 while the upper edge 20 a is generally linear and the rod 12 is generally straight. In the mounted position, the panel 20 is mounted on the flexible rod 12 when the rod 12 is in the arched position (see FIG. 1). That is, the rod 12 remains within the sleeve 38, but because the rod 12 is now arched, the upper edge 20 a is also arcuate. However, the panel 20 needs no modifications once in the mounted position. This advantageously enables traditional rectangular window treatment panels to be used off the shelf in the present invention without the need for undesirable custom created arcuate panels. As indicated above, the panel 18 is virtually identical in configuration to the panel 20. However, a single panel could be used, although in a single panel configuration, the panel would preferably have a central opening so the panel could be pulled out of the way of the window when desired. Any suitable alternative panel configurations could be utilized with many aspects of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the lower window treatment subassembly 22 is also supported on the brackets 14, 16. However, the subassembly 22 is configured to alternatively shade the rectangular window Rw. In more detail, the subassembly 22 broadly includes a rigid rod 40 and a pair of lower window treatment panels 42 and 44. The panels 42 and 44 are conventional blinds that are received on the rigid rod 40 and in one manner well known in the art, cooperate to adjust the length of the blinds 42, 44 and take up the blinds 42, 44 when it is not desired to shade the window Rw. The rigid rod 40 is supported in the bight sections of the second legs of the brackets 14, 16.

It will be appreciated that the arcuate window treatment assembly 10 detailed above provides several advantages that make it well suited for do-it-yourself treatment projects of arcuate windows that was not possible with prior art treatments. The flexible rod 12 enables the use of off-the-shelf rectangular treatment panels without modification and can be easily cut to accommodate any sized arcuate window. Additionally, the brackets 14, 16 are simplistic and easy to install on the wall W, without the need for difficult mounting within the arcuate frame Af itself.

In operation, the brackets 14, 16 are mounted to the wall W using the fasteners 34 so that the brackets 14, 16 are each spaced from the arcuate window frame Af and generally aligned with one another so that the posts 30 are parallel (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The flexible rod 12 is placed into the straight position and the treatment panels 18, 20 are placed in the assembly position. The rod 12 is then slid into the sleeves 38 of the panels 18, 20 (see FIG. 6). The flexible rod 12 is then flexed into the arcuate position thereby transferring the panels 18, 20 into the mounted position (see FIG. 1). The panel-laden rod 12 is then mounted onto the brackets 14, 16 by sliding the open ends 24 over the posts 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). If desired, the panels 18, 20 can then be gathered and bound to expose the rectangular window Rw below (see FIG. 1). If desired, the lower window treatment subassembly 22 can be mounted onto the brackets 14, 16 as well by placing the rigid rod 40 into the bight sections 36 (see FIG. 2). The blinds 42, 44 can be adjusted as needed to allow the desired amount of light through the rectangular window Rw.

As indicated above, it is within the ambit of the present invention to utilize various alternatively configured flexible rods and brackets. One such suitable alternative is the arcuate window treatment assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The assembly 100 is similar in many respects to the arcuate window treatment assembly 10 detailed above and includes a flexible rod 102, a pair of brackets 104, a pair of upper window treatment panels 106, and a lower window treatment subassembly 108. Therefore, the assembly 100 will only be described in detail with respect to the prominent differences. The flexible rod 102 includes a plurality of apertures 110 formed along the periphery, each being configured to receive a panel fastener. In this regard, and in one manner well known in the art, each of the panels 106 include a plurality of panel fasteners 112. The fasteners 112 hook into the apertures 110 to secure the panels 106 to the rod 102. Where apertures are included in the rod 102 adjacent its open ends, the posts of the brackets 104 preferably include corresponding apertures formed therein for receipt of the respective fasteners 112. Relative to the panels 18 and 20 detailed above, the panels 106 are formed from a heavier drapery-styled material. In this regard, the assembly 100 further includes a third bracket 114 configured to cooperate with the brackets 104 to support the panel-laden rod 102. The third bracket 114 is configured to mount on the wall adjacent the window frame to removably receive the rod 102. Unlike the brackets 104, the bracket 114 does not include a post, but rather includes a hooked portion 116 that removably receives the rod 102 therein (see FIG. 8). While alternatively configured brackets can be implemented, it is important to this aspect of the invention that whatever brackets are utilized are configured to mount to the wall so that they are spaced from the window frame itself. In this manner, the flexible rod 102 need not be sized and configured to fit within the window frame itself and a wider range of off-the-shelf panels can be utilized, even where they are not custom sized and configured to fit within the window frame itself.

The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventor hereby states her intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A hanger for hanging a window treatment adjacent a window housed in a window frame formed in a wall, said hanger comprising: a rod including opposed open ends and being flexible between a straight position wherein the rod is generally linear and an arched position wherein the rod is generally arcuate; and a pair of brackets operable to be mounted to the wall adjacent the window frame, each of said brackets being spaced from the window frame when mounted to the wall, each of said brackets including a post wherein said posts are spaced from one another when the brackets are mounted to the wall, each of said open ends being slidably and releaseably received on a respective one of said posts when the brackets are mounted to the wall and the rod is in the arched position.
 2. The hanger as claimed in claim 1, said rod being operable to receive the window treatment when in the straight position.
 3. The hanger as claimed in claim 2, said rod being biased into the straight position.
 4. The hanger as claimed in claim 1, each of said brackets including a generally flat elongated first leg operable to engage the wall when the respective bracket is mounted thereto, each of said first legs extending generally parallel to the corresponding post.
 5. The hanger as claimed in claim 4, each of said brackets further including a second leg extending generally orthogonal from the respective first leg, each of said second legs being generally shorter than the first legs.
 6. The hanger as claimed in claim 5, each of said first legs being positioned adjacent one end of the corresponding second leg, each of said posts being spaced from the corresponding first leg and positioned adjacent the other end of the corresponding second leg.
 7. The hanger as claimed in claim 6, each of said second legs including a bight section intermediate the ends, each of said bight sections being configured to receive the rod when the rod is in the straight position.
 8. The hanger as claimed in claim 4, each of said first legs including at least one aperture formed therein and configured to receive a fastener.
 9. The hanger as claimed in claim 1, each of said posts being generally cylindrical in configuration and presenting a generally uniform diameter.
 10. The hanger as claimed in claim 9, said rod being formed from a nonmetal material and said posts being formed from a metal material.
 11. The hanger as claimed in claim 1, said rod being solely supported by the pair of brackets when the brackets are mounted to the wall and the rod is in the arched position.
 12. The hanger as claimed in claim 1; and an additional bracket operable to be mounted to the wall adjacent the window frame, said additional bracket being spaced from the window frame when mounted to the wall, said rod being supported on said additional bracket when the brackets are mounted to the wall and the rod is in the arched position.
 13. The hanger as claimed in claim 1, said rod including a plurality of apertures formed therein, said apertures being spaced along the rod between the open ends.
 14. The hanger as claimed in claim 1, said posts being generally parallel in alignment when the brackets are mounted to the wall.
 15. A window treatment assembly for decorating a window having at least one arcuate pane and being housed in a window frame formed in a wall, said window treatment assembly comprising: at least one window treatment panel being normally rectangular in configuration and formed from a nonrigid material; a rod including opposed open ends and being flexible between a straight position wherein the rod is generally linear and an arched position wherein the rod is generally arcuate, said window treatment panel being transferable between an assembly position wherein the panel presents a generally linear upper edge and is mounted on the rod when the rod is in the straight position and a mounted position wherein the upper edge of the panel is generally arcuate and the panel is mounted on the rod when the rod is in the arched position; and a pair of brackets operable to be mounted to the wall adjacent the window frame, each of said brackets being spaced from the window frame when mounted to the wall, each of said brackets including a post wherein said posts are spaced from one another when the brackets are mounted to the wall, each of said open ends being slidably and releaseably received on a respective one of said posts when the brackets are mounted to the wall and the rod is in the arched position.
 16. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 15, said rod being biased into the straight position.
 17. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 15, each of said brackets including a generally flat elongated first leg operable to engage the wall when the respective bracket is mounted thereto, each of said first legs extending generally parallel to the corresponding post.
 18. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 17, each of said brackets further including a second leg extending generally orthogonal from the respective first leg, each of said second legs being generally shorter than the first legs.
 19. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 18, each of said first legs being positioned adjacent one end of the corresponding second leg, each of said posts being spaced from the corresponding first leg and positioned adjacent the other end of the corresponding second leg.
 20. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 19; and an additional rod; and an additional window treatment panel received on the additional rod, each of said second legs including a bight section intermediate the ends; each of said bight sections receiving an opposing end of the additional rod when the brackets are mounted to the wall.
 21. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 17, each of said first legs including at least one aperture formed therein and configured to receive a fastener.
 22. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 15, each of said posts being generally cylindrical in configuration and presenting a generally uniform diameter.
 23. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 22, said rod being formed from a nonmetal material and said posts being formed from a metal material.
 24. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 15, said rod being solely supported by the pair of brackets when the brackets are mounted to the wall and the rod is in the arched position.
 25. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 15; and an additional bracket operable to be mounted to the wall adjacent the window frame, said additional bracket being spaced from the window frame when mounted to the wall, said rod being supported on said additional bracket when the brackets are mounted to the wall and the rod is in the arched position.
 26. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 15, said at least one window treatment panel including a plurality of fasteners spaced along the upper edge, said rod including a plurality of apertures formed therein and spaced along the rod between the open ends, said fasteners being received in the apertures when the treatment panel is in the mounted position.
 27. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 15; and an additional window treatment panel being normally rectangular in configuration and formed from a nonrigid material, said additional window treatment panel being transferable between an assembly position wherein the additional panel presents a generally linear upper edge and is mounted on the rod when the rod is in the straight position and a mounted position wherein the upper edge of the additional panel is generally arcuate and the additional panel is mounted on the rod when the rod is in the arched position.
 28. The window treatment assembly as claimed in claim 15, said posts being generally parallel in alignment when the brackets are mounted to the wall. 